8 3/4 offset shackles for 72 satellite

[Impatient '71]

I am looking at swapping a 68 8 3/4 rear end to into my 72 satellite to replace the 8 1/4 but don't want to do a spring relocation on the car. Dr. Diff sells an offset kit that puts the springs at 44 13/16". Would I need to move the spring perches outward 3/8" to make this work or is that something that can be taken up by the springs themselves?

 

[Darter6]

Not saying that it's right, but I've seen it done on a guys Duster that had a Ford 8.8 under it. I think he needed 1/2 on either side.It worked for him without any binding. When he got the car the rear shackle bushings were on a bind and noticeably cocked.He figured what the heck and gave it a try.

 

[66Satellite47]

If the info in my DC Bible is correct, the spring perch width on a '72 Satellite would be 47.3" and the spring perch width of the '68 should be 44.0". Don't see how offset shackles correct for that. Double check with Dr Diff.

 

[Impatient '71]

So after looking at the mount location for the rear springs I'm going to make an offset hanger for the front and then move cut out the spot welds for the rear shackle location and relocate the shackle mount inward. Based off my preliminary assessment moving the rear mount shouldn't be to complicated and a fairly straightforward job.

 

[Darter6]

Are these something you can use ?

 

[Badvert65]

My 74 RR did not have room for the offset front hangers. The OE hanger location was too close to the frame rail. Mopar user to sell an offset rear shackle that might work in your case. Another thing to keep in mind is that you will need a shorter driveshaft as the 8 3/4 is 'longer' (front-back) than the 8 1/4.

 

[Impatient '71]

Darter6,
Do you know what the offset is on those hangers? It doesn't look like they are offset enough to cover the approximate 1.8" the leaf needs to move to make the axle work.

 

[Darter6]

I'll measure 'um and get back to you.

 

[65hemi]

The Dr. Diff kit typically offsets the springs inward 1".
Not as much as 1.8".

 

[Darter6]

Looks like 3/4'' per side for the ones I got.I took some photos and they were too light,too dark or blurry.I'll try to post the best a little later.

 

[Impatient '71]

Darter6,
Thanks, but I don't think those will work. Building custom hangers is what I'm going to have to do.

 

[Darter6]

No problem. I watch for things guys are looking for. Sometimes I have the stuff collecting dust on my shelf.(and I got lots of it) It's easier than posting items one at a time.

 

[71Beeper]

The mounts that Darter6 posted have a 1 1/4" offset.
I have the same ones on my 71 B-body.
Those mounts are to be used when you have super stock leaf springs for the car.
They cannot be use with regular leaf springs.....I just found this out the hard way.
Using those mounts with regular leaf springs moves the diff rearward and it does not sit centered in the wheel well.
See what I mean?
The original mounts I took off my car were homemade by someone else......now they are going back on my car...

 

[YY1]

Isn't relocating the perches MUCH easier than cutting and welding the frame?

 

[71Beeper]

YY1 - the leaf spring perches must be moved in order to offset the leaf springs.
Offset rear shackles must also be used.
No need to cut & weld the frame.

 

[Grabbergreendream]

I'd be cutting off the perches and rewelding them where they need to be. The easiest solution & will maintain original gemetry & parts. Different/modified driveshaft needed.